The Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA), in cooperation with the Michigan Institute of Aeronautics (MIOA), has, just this past weekend, held the first in a series of avionics training seminars for apprentice technicians.

Following two years of development and interviews with over 500 repair station managers, the AEA in partnership with MIOA developed this targeted program focused on raising the level of training and education of today¹s apprentice avionics technicians.

Basic Avionics and Panel Installation for Technicians (FAA Course #AGL/0203/0019/22) is two-and- a-half days of FAA-approved training offered to AEA member repair stations on the basics of avionics panel installation, wiring and regulations. "The seminar was a complete success in terms of participation, content and quality," stated Mike Adamson, director of training and education for the AEA. "We have already started a waiting list for the next seminar being held early this summer. The success of this type of seminar underscores the industry demand for quality avionics training."

The seminar attracted technicians from all skill levels with experience in all facets of aviation maintenance. Participants were able to brush up on or improve their basic skills, increase their understanding of regulatory documentation requirements, as well as learn best practices from industry peers.

Basic Avionics and Panel Installation for Technicians is the beginning of several classroom offerings conducted outside of the training normally available at AEA Regional Meetings and Convention. The classroom training allows for the much-needed hands-on lab experience and fills a void left by most other available training methods. With the level of interest  expressed by AEA member repair stations future course offerings in more advanced disciplines will follow.

Ultimately, the AEA will make this type of training available through any one of its member schools.

FMI: www.aea.net